ESL Lesson on Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning separate from the literal meaning of the words they contain. The word “dog” frequently appears in English idioms, reflecting the significant role that dogs play in many cultures, especially as companions and symbols of various traits. This lesson compares the meanings of 14 dog idioms and uses several of them in a short dialogue. Understanding these will not only enhance your vocabulary but also give you deeper insight into the nuances of English spoken by native speakers.
Practice format: Match the 14 idioms with their meanings, then read the dialogue at the end. This page supplies a script, not a recording. For listening practice, ask a partner to read Susan and Shannon’s parts aloud while you keep the text hidden. If working alone, use it as reading and speaking practice.
Practice Quiz on Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
To test your understanding of idioms featuring the word “dog,” we have prepared a short quiz. Each question will present an idiom and ask you to associate with one of the available answers. This will not only help in reinforcing what you’ve learned but also in applying these idioms in practical scenarios. Get ready to challenge yourself and see how well you’ve grasped the figurative language of English!
Can you guess the meanings of the following idioms using the word dog? (Possible Answers are below. Each possible answer has only one question associated with it). There is an answer key under the FAQ’s below).
Questions
1. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
2. To be as sick as a dog
3. Every dog has its day!
4. To be top dog
5. To go to the dogs
6. To live a dog’s life
7. To work like a dog
8. A dog-eat-dog environment
9. To be in the doghouse
10. His bark is worse than his bite
11. To bark up the wrong tree
12. Let sleeping dogs lie
13. To argue like cat and dog
14. To rain cats and dogs
Possible Answers
a. a difficult or unpleasant life
b. to have made someone annoyed with you
c. to pursue a mistaken explanation or course of action
d. it can be difficult to change long-established habits
e. to rain extremely hard
f. work extremely hard
g. to seem more frightening or threatening than one really is
h. really sick
i. to deteriorate, to get worse
k. to avoid bringing up old trouble that could restart a conflict
l. a hyper competitive environment
m. to argue fiercely or repeatedly
n. even a person with ill luck will be lucky one day
o. to be the leader / decision maker
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
It describes an intensely competitive situation in which people may act selfishly to get ahead. It is a figurative description of the situation, not a statement about all dogs.
It means to pursue the wrong explanation, blame the wrong person or take a mistaken approach. For example: “If you think I took your keys, you are barking up the wrong tree.”
Use it when advising someone not to bring up an old problem that could restart a conflict. It does not mean that every problem should be ignored.
It means to work very hard. For example: “We worked like dogs to finish the project.” It is an informal way to emphasise effort.
It expresses the hopeful idea that everyone gets a chance to succeed or enjoy good fortune. It is an idiom, not a guarantee of a future result.
Answer Key:
- d
- h
- n
- o
- i
- a
- f
- l
- b
- g
- c
- k
- m
- e
Vocabulary
- flu virus- influenza virus, thing that causes you to become sick
- immune system- the cells, tissues and organs that help the body defend against infections and disease
- glory- praise, honor
- keep one’s eye on- continue to watch
Sick as a Dog
Susan: Oh Shannon, you look as sick as a dog. What’s the matter?
Shannon: I feel terrible. I think I might have caught that flu virus that has been going around. I’ve been working like a dog and had a lot of stress lately. It has been exhausting.
Susan: I know you told me about that argument you had with your coworker. You shouldn’t worry so much about being top dog. Let him have some glory, too.
Shannon: I know. I don’t know why I get so upset about everything. And there’s another thing. If I get into any more fights with anyone in the office, I’m going to be in the doghouse. My boss is already keeping his eye on me.